Niger State governor, Mohammed Umar Bago and his Sokoto State counterpart, Ahmad Aliyu are seeking the support of the Federal Government to increase food production in their states.
The governors during their separate visits yesterday to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, rolled out their plans to improve food production in their various states.
Governor Bago assured Nigerians and potential investors that the state would soon top the chart in rice production. He disclosed that the state is already ahead in terms of rice padding, adding that 150,000 hectares of land had been donated to the Federal Government for the dry season farming.
On his part, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu highlighted insecurity as the major concern affecting farming activities in the state.
He noted that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands for fear of insecurity, leading to shortage in food production. In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, commended the progress made in the agricultural sector of Sokoto and Niger State.
He revealed that the Federal government is dedicated to implementing stringent measures in the forthcoming Dry and Wet Season Farming for Rice, Maize, and Cassava.
In another scene,
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have strengthened their partnership aimed at boosting food security in the country.
The partnership was cemented yesterday through an inaugurated committee set up by both agencies to fast track the adoption of new technologies in their quest to boost food production for local consumption.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Temitope Peter Fashedemi, noted that the application of technology in the agricultural sector would guarantee the desire of the present administration of achieving food security and job creation across the country.
He pointed out that the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation is premised on 10 thematic areas, including stakeholders’ synergy, revitalisation and livestock development among others.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture in the Ministry, Garba Abdullahi, said the committee’s mandate is geared towards achieving food security.